House approves higher-education finance bill after tight votes on North Star Promise and program restorations

St. Paul — The Minnesota House approved House File 2431, the higher-education finance and policy bill, after extended floor debate and close votes on several high-profile amendments. The chamber passed the bill as amended by a vote of 120 yeas to 14 nays.

Lawmakers said the bill is a bipartisan compromise intended to address a large shortfall in the state grant program and to preserve the North Star Promise, a program that provides in-state tuition benefits to certain Minnesota residents. Representative Marie Wohlgemont, the bill’s chief author, said the package “is the result of robust negotiations” between the bill’s chairs and members on both sides of the aisle.

A9 and A10: narrow defeats

Two floor amendments attracted sustained debate and close recorded votes.

- A9 (Schultz): That amendment would have restricted eligibility for the North Star Promise by inserting a requirement tied to lawful immigration status. Representative Matt Schultz described the amendment as correcting a “loophole” and said the change would ensure benefits go to legally present Minnesota students. Opponents called the measure punitive and appealed to humanitarian and…